It is known that the area of Bombarral was occupied during the geological period, and there exist vestiges of human settlement throughout the municipality, including pre-historic remnants in Gruta Nova, Lapa do Suão and the Neolithic fortifications of Columbeira and the Castro de São Mamede.

[3] Before, the Battle of Aljubarrota King John of Portugal stayed in Bombarral with his Knight, Luís Henriques, in the strong-house that would later be converted into the municipality's council hall.

During the Peninsular War, 15000 Anglo-Portuguese troops confronted a much smaller army of French infantry and cavalry (5000 total) in Roliça in the first engagement by British forces.

The valleys and gullies of Roliça allowed the small French contingent to confront the much larger British force, yet they were unable to defeat them.

Bombarral is twinned with: The base of economic activity is agriculture with vineyards predominating, although several crops are routinely rotated within the fields of the municipality.